Trying something new for your wellbeing can feel both exciting and a little uncertain. Maybe a friend mentioned Reiki, or you saw a quiet moment from our studio on Instagram and wondered what actually happens in the room. This note is here to make your first visit feel familiar before you even arrive.
At Neo Nour, Reiki is one of several gentle practices we offer as a space to pause and reconnect. You don't need any experience, any particular beliefs, or anything to "get right". You just need to come as you are.
What Reiki is (and what it isn't)
Reiki is a gentle, hands-on practice that originated in Japan. During a session, the practitioner rests their hands lightly on or just above the body in a series of placements, while you lie down fully clothed and rest.
Many people describe the experience as deeply calming: a chance to slow down, notice their breath, and let a full mind settle for a while. Others simply enjoy an hour where nothing is asked of them.
It's important to be clear about what Reiki is not. Reiki is a complementary wellbeing practice. It is not a medical treatment, it does not diagnose anything, and it is not a replacement for care from your doctor, therapist or other health professional. If you're receiving medical or psychological care, please continue it; Reiki can sit quietly alongside it. If you're pregnant, recovering from a procedure, or managing a health condition, just mention it when you book so your session can be shaped with care.
Before your session: a few simple ways to prepare
There is very little to do, but a few small things can help you arrive with curiosity:
• Wear comfortable clothes. You stay fully clothed, so choose something soft that lets you relax lying down. • Give yourself a little extra time. Arriving unhurried makes it easier to settle. If you can, avoid booking something stressful straight afterwards. • Eat lightly and hydrate. A heavy meal just before can make it harder to get comfortable. • Come with a question or an intention, if you like. It might be "I'd like to rest", or "I want to notice how I feel". It's equally fine to come with no intention at all. • Bring your questions. Your practitioner is happy to explain anything before you begin.
What happens during a Reiki session
Every session is a little different, but a first visit usually follows a gentle rhythm.
Arriving and talking. You'll start with a short, relaxed conversation about how you've been and what brought you in. This is also your moment to share any preferences, for example whether you'd rather have light touch or hands held just above the body.
Settling in. You'll lie down comfortably, fully clothed, in a calm room with soft light. You may be offered a blanket or a cushion under your knees. Some people close their eyes; some prefer to keep them open. Both are welcome.
The session itself. Your practitioner moves through a sequence of hand placements, usually from the head towards the feet. The room stays quiet. Some people notice warmth, tingling or a sense of heaviness; some drift into a light, restful state; some notice very little and simply enjoy the stillness. There is no right or wrong experience.
Closing. At the end, you'll be given time to come back slowly. You can sit up when you're ready, have some water, and share anything you noticed, if you want to.
You are always in control. If you'd like to adjust your position, pause, or ask a question at any point, just say so.
After your session
Give yourself a soft landing. Drink some water, take a short walk if you can, and notice how the rest of your day feels. Some people like to jot down a few words about their experience; others prefer to just let it be. For more ideas, see our gentle guide to the hours and days after a session.
People often ask how many sessions they "need". There's no set number and no obligation. Some come for a single quiet hour; others like to return regularly as part of their own self-care rhythm. Go with what feels natural to you.
Private, group, in person or online: choosing your experience
Reiki is one of several experiences at Neo Nour. On our Experiences page you'll find:
• Private sessions: personal time with your healer, shaped around your needs, including Reiki, sound-based sessions with tuning forks, crystal healing, energy cleansing, breathwork and guided meditation, and holistic coaching. • Private combined sessions: two complementary practices in one visit, such as Energy Detox & Crystal Healing or a Crystal & Breathwork Experience. • A Personalized Holistic Session: if you're not sure where to start, the healer chooses an approach to suit you on the day. • Group sessions: share a guided experience with others, such as breathwork and meditation, a shared sound-based session, or somatic movement. Places are limited and prices are per person.
Private and group sessions are available in person or online, so you can join from elsewhere in Lebanon or abroad (booking times are shown in Lebanon (Beirut) time, so convert to your local time). Durations, formats and prices for each experience are listed on the Experiences page. If you're weighing up formats, our guide to choosing between private and group sessions can help, and there's more on joining a session online.
Questions people often ask
Do I need to believe in Reiki for it to "work"? No. Come with an open mind and simply notice your own experience.
Will I have to undress? No. You stay fully clothed throughout.
Is Reiki a treatment for a health condition? No. Reiki is a complementary wellbeing practice for relaxation and reflection, not a medical treatment. Please keep following the advice of your healthcare providers.
What if I fall asleep? That's completely fine. Many people do.
What if I'd rather rest to sound? You might enjoy a tuning-fork sound session instead, or alongside Reiki.
Can I try a group session first? Yes. Group experiences are a lovely, gentle introduction. Check the Experiences page for current group sessions and upcoming special events.
Book your first session
When you feel ready, choose an experience, pick a date and time that suits you, and leave a note if there's anything you'd like us to know.
Want to read a little more first? Explore more gentle ideas and session notes in The Neo Nour Journal, or follow along on Instagram at @neonourlb.
Neo Nour offers complementary wellbeing practices. Sessions are not a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment or professional mental-health care.